Footballguys view: Mariota is likely to be a top-10 pick in the 2015 NFL draft. We compare his skill set to that of Alex Smith (Chiefs). Mariota is a heckuva athlete, and he can keep plays alive with his feet while keeping his eyes downfield. He ran an offense at Oregon where he was rarely asked to throw into tight windows. Mariota will have to prove that he can handle working from under center and read defenses from the pocket in the pros.

Footballguys view: Winston has taken weight loss seriously, and he worked diligently with Prolific Athletes trainer Ryan Flaherty. He's looking more and more like the number one overall pick to the Buccaneers.

Former QB Chris Weinke was hired by the St. Louis Rams as quarterbacks coach Thursday, Feb. 19.

Footballguys view: Weinke has been working with quarterbacks at the IMG Academy down in Florida. He's hired to work with Sam Bradford...or any young quarterback the Rams bring in this year. Weinke didn't work out as a pro QB, but he's certainly carved out a nice role as a QB coach.

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews, an impending free agent, has interest from the Chargers in a new contract. General manager Tom Telesco will meet with Mathews' agent at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Footballguys view: The Chargers might want to keep Mathews around, but he's unlikely to break the bank. The talent is there, but staying healthy has been a problem for Mathews during his entire pro career.

Tennessee Titans QB Zach Mettenberger has the backing of the coaching staff, but they have not committed to him as the starter for 2015. General manager Ruston Webster said the team will fully consider QB Jameis Winston or QB Marcus Mariota.

Footballguys view: This conflicts earlier reports coming out of Tennessee. The Titans don't want to say there's no interest in a QB in case there's a team behind them in the draft that wants to trade up. It's wise for them to play off like they're interested in Winston or Mariota. Plus, they could actually have interest...they need to because Mettenberger is no long-term answer.

Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan is excited about QB EJ Manuel, as he told reporters Manuel 'has some potential', but the club is still looking for a long-term signal caller.

Footballguys view: The Bills are looking to land a new quarterback, but Manuel's not a total wash just yet. Manuel works hard and is a football junkie, but he hasn't been that good when starting. Plus, he's struggled to stay healthy. It's wise for the Bills to look for added competition at quarterback.

San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke plans to meet with the agent for free-agent WR Michael Crabtree (49ers) at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Footballguys view: Crabtree is a favorite receiver of Colin Kaepernick, but we think it's 50/50 at best if he comes back in 2015. The team may not want to pay him what Crabtree could get on the open market.

Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo has a backer in the front office, as chief operating officer Stephen Jones believes Romo has time left in his career. 'I still think Tony has a lot of time left, personally,' Jones said. 'I heard him say anywhere from four to five years, so that's a long time.'

Footballguys view: There's no reason for the Cowboys to be cool on Romo. The team has built a tremendous offensive line, and they can run the ball better than most teams in the league. The ground game helps set things up for Romo, and he's responded with better and more consistent play.

Dallas Cowboys LB Sean Lee (knee) is expected to be a full participant when the team begins its official offseason program in April. 'I think Sean is ahead of target,' executive vice president Stephen Jones said Wednesday, Feb. 18. LB Rolando McClain was signed to replace Lee, and the team isn't see where Lee will play in 2015. If McClain is re-signed, Lee might play the weak-side linebacker spot.

Footballguys view: Great news for the Cowboys here. We thought their defense would fall apart when Lee got hurt last year. Instead, the team came together and played strong in 2014. With Lee back, expect them to be even better this season.

Dallas Cowboys CB Morris Claiborne (knee) continues to rehab the ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee. Head coach Jason Garrett said Wednesday, Feb. 18, that Claiborne will miss the offseason program, and his rehab might continue into the start of training camp. 'We are (hopeful) about training camp. He might be one of those guys who doesn't start right away in training camp, but that's a long way off.'

Footballguys view: Claiborne will be monitored closely as the Cowboys continue through the offseason. If he's not quite ready by the time the regular season starts, Claiborne could be put on the PUP list to begin the year.

Jacksonville Jaguars OG Brandon Linder will remain at right guard and will not become an option to compete for the right tackle spot. 'Right now, we like him at right guard,' head coach Gus Bradley said Wednesday, Feb. 18.

New York Jets QB Geno Smith might soon have company despite the fact general manager Mike Maccagnan said the team is 'committed' to trying to turn Smith into a winning quarterback. The team met with free-agent QB Josh McCown (Buccaneers) Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Footballguys view: Hope all you want, Smith needs to show better consistency as a starter. He ended the season on a hot note with a 300-yard game against the Dolphins in Week 17, and Smith needs to carry that momentum over to this year.

Updating a previous report, New York Jets CB Dee Milliner (Achilles') might not be ready until early summer. The team sounds as if they will use the worst-case scenario as a guide as they venture into free agency. They're not counting on Milliner to be 100 percent.

Footballguys view: Keep an eye on this situation. Achilles' injuries aren't as devastating as they used to be, but it's still a serious injury. When asked, both head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan identified cornerback as one of the team's most pressing needs.

Denver Broncos RB C.J. Anderson is not guaranteed to be the team's starting tailback in 2015. 'He's got to go earn that,' Kubiak said Wednesday, Feb. 18. 'When he walked off the field last year he was playing that way. He's a young player. I told him that when I talked to him. I said, 'C.J. when you come back for the offseason you need to handle yourself like you're the starter. I think he's ready to do that.'

Footballguys view: No worries here. Anderson will enter camp as the starter, and the team wants to see how he responds to being "the man" in Denver. Anderson is a perfect fit for the zone-blocking system that will be implemented by new head coach Gary Kubiak. He has the upside to finish 2015 as a top-10 fantasy running back.

Denver Broncos impending free-agent DT Terrance Knighton said Wednesday, Feb. 18, that he is frustration with the lack of communication from the Broncos.

Footballguys view: Knighton is frustrated for good reason. He's stated multiple times that he wants to stay in Denver, but the Broncos have had zero communication with him. Knighton is likely to get a big deal in free agency, and we think the Raiders are most likely to pick him up.

San Francisco 49ers LBs Patrick Willis (toe) and NaVorro Bowman are expected to return next year on their current contracts, general manager Trent Baalke hinted at.

Footballguys view: Willis is scheduled to make $8.315 million, and Bowman will make $5.45 million. Willis continues to rehab his toe after having season-ending surgery and Bowman is over a year removed from a knee injury.

San Francisco 49ers TE Vernon Davis will return to the team next season, according to general manager Trent Baalke. Davis will make $4.95 million in the final year of his deal, but he's coming off a season in which he had just 26 catches for a measly 245 yards and two touchdowns (both in the season opener). Davis is expected to take part in the team's offseason program after skipping the mandatory minicamp last offseason.

Footballguys view: The 49ers need to do a better job of getting Davis involved in the offense. Last year was an abomination, but he could have a bounce-back year if featured. Using Davis more would likely help keep QB Colin Kaepernick calm under fire.

Denver Broncos impending free-agent TE Julius Thomas and his agent, Frank Bauer, don't have any meetings scheduled with the team heading into the NFL Scouting Combine. Apparently Thomas wants to test the free-agent markets when he's eligible March 10.

Footballguys view: We're unlikely to see Thomas return to the Broncos in 2015. He's reportedly seeking a deal that will put him among the highest paid tight ends in the league. Denver has their hands full trying to re-sign WR Demaryius Thomas and find a few upgrades to the offensive line. They just don't have the money to give Julius Thomas a deal that may be in the range of $8 million annually.

Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning remains undecided on whether he'll return for the 2015 season, according to general manager John Elway. Elway met with Manning a week ago, and Manning expressed that he feels fine physically. Everyone is expecting Manning to return, but there hasn't been a definitive announcement from Manning himself.

Footballguys view: The holdup is Manning. The Broncos want him back, but they are giving him time to make a decision. Only eight games away from having more regular-season wins than any QB in NFL history, we think Manning returns for a fourth season in Denver.

Free-agent QB Josh McCown (Buccaneers) met with the New York Jets Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Footballguys view: The Jets have said they are not ready to give up on QB Geno Smith, but are also exploring options at the position, including interviewing QBs Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota this week.

Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan said finding a quarterback is easier said than done. Shortly after Ryan was hired, he said there were no guarantees at the quarterback position, simply saying that QB EJ Manuel would get a chance to compete.

Footballguys view: The Bills have the making of a playoff team....if they only had a QB worth a damn. We like Manuel's love of the game and work ethic, but he hasn't been able to produce wins as a starting quarterback. This is not a great QB class in the draft, but the Bills don't have a first-round pick anyway. The free-agent class isn't great either, and we could see the Bills sign someone like Mark Sanchez or Brian Hoyer to compete for the starting job.

Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray may be on his way out of Dallas if WR Dez Bryant is given the franchise tag. Head coach Jason Garrett said he doesn't like the idea of Murray simply being replaced by another running back, emphasizing Murray's importance to the Cowboys' offense.

Footballguys view: Sure, Joseph Randle is a talented guy but he's not the player that Murray is. Running backs can grind down opponents as the game goes on, and the Cowboys are built to be one of the best running teams in the league. Both parties have three weeks to work something out before Murray can test the free-agent market.

Philadelphia Eagles impending free-agent QB Mark Sanchez could be a candidate to sign with the Cleveland Browns in free agency. Browns head coach Mike Pettine said he's 'open' to working with Sanchez after the two worked together with the New York Jets.

Footballguys view: Cleveland needs to address the QB position with Johnny Manziel in rehab. Sanchez is coming off a decent season with the Eagles, and he could be counted on as a spot starter until Manziel is ready--if he's ever ready.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson will return in 2015, according to general manager Jason Licht. Licht said he will meet with Jackson's agent during the NFL Combine this week, probably to request to restructure Jackson's $9.77 million salary.

Footballguys view: The two sides can work something out here. Jackson is an important veteran to keep around while Mike Evans continues to learn and progress as a pro. The Bucs are likely going to have a rookie QB like Jameis Winston (Florida State) leading the way in 2015.

St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford may still have a future with the Rams after general manager Les Snead said Wednesday, Feb. 18, that deleting Bradford is not the answer. Snead reiterated that eliminating Bradford was not the answer when asked about trade rumors involving the injury-prone quarterback.

Footballguys view: Bradford isn't the answer either. We would be absolutely floored if Bradford 1) stayed healthy, and 2) was worth a damn in 2015. He's "OK" as a starter, but Bradford is nothing to write home about...even when he is healthy.

New Orleans Saints impending free-agent RB Mark Ingram's future with the team depends on Ingram's market value in free agency and the team's lack of salary-cap flexibility, according to general manager Mickey Loomis. Loomis didn't rule out re-signing Ingram if the two sides can agree on his value before March 10.

Footballguys view: He enters free agency the right way. Ingram rushed for a career-high 964 yards last season and will be one of the top free-agent running backs on the market.

Free-agent QB Josh McCown (Buccaneers) is an option at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, according to head coach Mike Pettine, though Cleveland has not scheduled a visit with him yet.

Footballguys view: Nobody should be floored here. McCown is one of the best free agent quarterbacks on the market....and that says something about the class of QBs available this offseason. No offense to McCown, but he's a spot starter or solid backup...he's not a long-term answer at quarterback.

Florida State QB Jameis Winston is scheduled to meet with the New York Jets during the NFL Scouting Combine.

Footballguys view: The Jets are wise to look at quarterbacks this year, but they'll be lucky to see Winston fall to them. They own the sixth-overall pick, but Winston may go off the board at number one to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

New York Jets CB Dee Milliner's (Achilles') status for the spring practices is still up in the air at this point, according to head coach Todd Bowles. Bowles said it is too early tell if Milliner will be ready by the spring.

Washington Redskins WR Pierre Garcon would save the team a lot of money if he were to be cut, but head coach Jay Gruden said Garcon is still in the team's plans.

Footballguys view: Garcon comes with a cap hit of $9.7 million in 2015, plus there still $4.4 million in dead money remaining on his contract. We could see the team approach him about taking a pay cut this offseason.

Cleveland Browns impending free-agent QB Brian Hoyer is not close to working out a new deal with the team. Hoyer had hoped to have a sit down meeting with the club and general manager Ray Farmer at this point to gauge the team's interest, but a meeting hasn't taken place.

Footballguys view: We would be surprised to see Cleveland rinse/repeat at the quarterback position, but who knows...it is the Browns. The Browns appear to be looking at other options first while allowing Hoyer to do the same.

Baltimore Ravens TE Dennis Pitta (hip) has not heard anything definitive from doctors about getting cleared for football activities, according to head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh said the hip is healthy enough to live a great life, but football is unknown.

Footballguys view: Pitta's health status is a huge unknown at this time. We could see the Ravens make a move to add a tight end through the draft or free agency.

Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler did not receive a vote of confidence from head coach John Fox. Fox said the team is still evaluating the position. Fox said he wants to get to know Cutler as part of that evaluation. 'We're not up against a deadline,' Fox said. 'My experience has always been that you need to gather the information and in turn, you usually make better decisions. We're in that process, and we'll keep you posted.'

Footballguys view: Not exactly a ringing endorsement, and why should Fox endorse his quarterback? Cutler has done little to prove that he's a star player in this league. Mostly, Cutler has not taken to coaching, gotten hurt, and become a player with the reputation of being a coach killer.

Chicago Bears WR Brandon Marshall's standing with the team for the upcoming season may be in question, but new head coach John Fox was non-committal about Marshall when asked Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Footballguys view: Marshall has a cap hit of $9.5 million in 2015, and there's $5.6 million remaining in dead money. We could see the Bears taking a chance on Marshall (and Jay Cutler) for one more season.

St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford has permission to seek a trade. Bradford's agent can speak to other teams, but it will be difficult to find compensations to the Rams liking.

Footballguys view: The Rams have wasted too much time with Bradford. He's an okay starter, but he can't stay healthy. Bradford is likely to play one more year with the Rams, and it's certainly a "prove it" year for the rest of his career.

University of Oregon QB Marcus Mariota will throw at the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend.

Footballguys view: Mariota needs to do whatever he can to help out his draft stock. He injured his shoulder in the title game against Ohio State, and that's why he skipped out on the Senior Bowl. Right now, Mariota is a top-10 pick...but he could work higher if he impresses in the pre-draft process.

Florida State University QB Jameis Winston will throw at the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend.

Footballguys view: The questions about Winston are not on the field...it's all about how he checks out off the field. Winston plays a lot like Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) because he's big, has a strong arm and can keep plays alive with his feet.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Mike Glennon has what it takes to develop into the team's franchise quarterback, according to head coach Lovie Smith. 'Yeah, I think you can definitely say that Mike can be the quarterback that can play at a high level in this league,' Smith said when asked if Glennon can be a franchise quarterback. 'And I mean, we only have one quarterback on our roster. If you look at the comments I've made about him, yes, I think he can be that guy.' General manager Jason Licht also expressed confidence in Glennon.

Footballguys view: We like Glennon, but he's not a franchise quarterback on the level of some of the best in the game. He's a good starter with limited upside. If he was a franchise quarterback, then Tampa would not be interested in selecting a QB with the number one overall pick.

Free-agent QB Josh McCown (Buccaneers) met with the Chicago Bears at the NFL Scouting Combine Wednesday, Feb. 18, according to head coach John Fox.

Footballguys view: It's just science. McCown is one of the best free agent quarterbacks available, and he was good with the Bears in 2013. The Bears have Jay Cutler as the starter, but this is a make-or-break year for him.

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III will go into the season as the team's starting starting quarterback, according to head coach Jay Gruden.

Footballguys view: No surprise here....or at least there shouldn't be. Griffin needs to stay healthy and produce up to his enormous potential. It seems like he's on the right track to getting back to the player he was during his phenomenal rookie season.

Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said the team will undergo a makeover on the offensive line this offseason, and they could have as many as three new starters depending on what happens with impending free-agent OG Orlando Franklin and C Will Montgomery. Kubiak thinks the line will adapt to the zone-blocking scheme. 'They'll definitely fit. That's not an issue. There's a lot of movement. The biggest thing I can see, there was a lot of movement because of some injuries to guys having to move outside, those types of things. And there are some good young players in the building that I know that John and his staff think very highly of,' Kubiak said.

Footballguys view: The Broncos need to find a right tackle and a left guard (at least) via free agency and the draft. It is a bit unusual for a team in a Super Bowl window to have to overhaul an offensive line like this, but that's the way it is for Denver.